Mitali Perkins's Blog, page 34

I Grew Up Maple Sugaring in March

The title of this blog post isn't true. Not really, anyway. I grew up as an immigrant kid in New York City and wouldn't taste maple syrup until college. But thanks to the power of fiction and my imagination, every spring I escaped by book to the countryside and went sugaring. Maybe that's why this time of year in New England always feels like a homecoming. Here are three of my favorite reads (and re-reads) about maple sugaring.



Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen. In the Spring 2007 Curriculum Connections edition of School Library Journal, I wrote an article called "No Place Like Home" that included a description of this all-about-sugaring Newbery Award winner:

(A journey to sugaring country) in winter parallels (the characters') bleak emotional landscape, and when their car wheels spin uselessly on a snowy hill, we intuit how stuck the family has been feeling. Eventually, the flowing of the sap and the excitement of sugaring brings spring to the land and healing to Marly's family. Sorenson's descriptions of spring, summer, fall, and winter always mirror the gradual changes taking place inside her characters.

Did you know that one of the characters in Miracles on Maple Hill is an immigrant? He's one of the keys to the transformation of the family.



Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Here's an excerpt about sugaring from chapter ten:

Almanzo loved trudging through the frozen wild woods.  He walked on snow that had never been walked on before, and only his own tracks followed behind him. Busily he emptied the little pails into the buckets, and whenever he was thirsty he drank some of the thin, sweet, icy-cold sap.

My favorite of the Little House books because there's no denigration of Indians, Farmer Boy also features a cross-cultural relationship that saves Almanzo's life. Do you remember that scene?



Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher. Sugaring isn't the main part of this story about transformation in rural Vermont, but I love this description:

She found a clean white snow-bank under a pine-tree, and, setting her cup of syrup down in a safe place, began to pat the snow down hard to make the right bed for the waxing of the syrup. The sun, very hot for that late March day, brought out strongly the tarry perfume of the big pine-tree. Near her the sap dripped musically into a bucket, already half full, hung on a maple-tree. A blue-jay rushed suddenly through the upper branches of the wood, his  screaming and chattering voice sounding like noisy children at play.

Elizabeth Ann took up her cup and poured some of the thick, hot syrup out on the hard snow, making loops and curves as she poured. It stiffened and hardened at once, and she lifted up a great coil of it, threw her head back, and let it drop into her mouth. Concentrated sweetness of summer days was in that mouthful, part of it still hot and aromatic, part of it icy and wet with melting snow. She crunched it all together with her strong, child's teeth into a delicious, big lump and sucked on it dreamily, her eyes on the rim of Hemlock Mountain, high above her there, the snow on it bright golden in the sunlight.

I'm about to re-read this classic as I head up to Vermont this weekend to teach a class for the League of Vermont Writers. Mrs. Fisher was one of the founders of the League , spoke five languages fluently, and championed refugee French children. Do you have any favorite maple sugaring titles?

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Looking for Funny YA About Race? Here's One.

No, this is not oxymoronic: I recently enjoyed a humorous contemporary YA novel that adeptly handles race. Latte Rebellion (Flux, January 2011) by Sara Jamila Stevenson is a funny, poignant debut novel narrated by a protagonist you'd love to meet for coffee and conversation in real life. I loved the window this novel gives into growing up "latte" amidst the craziness of racial politics in America. But thanks to witty dialog, vivid characters, and a spot-on depiction of bittersweet endings and beginnings, Latte Rebellion is also a mirror for anyone who remembers or anticipates the roller coaster ride of senior year.

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Diversity Discussion for Share A Story | Shape a Future

Tanita Davis with Mare's War
Bloggers and children's literature advocates here, there, and everywhere are promoting the powerful connection between books and kids in an effort called Share a Story | Shape a Future . This week, from March 7-11, we focus on " Unwrapping the Gift of Literacy ."





Miriam Newman, me, and Hannah

Ehrlich in front of Lee & Low's

proud display of diverse books
As part of the conversation, Terry Doherty of The Reading Tub is hosting a roundtable discussion of diversity in children's books, inviting award-winning author Tanita Davis (MARE'S WAR), Hannah Ehrlich of Lee and Low Books, and me to share our thoughts.



Here's an excerpt from Tanita's contribution:

Play and romance and the trivialities that form everyone's life have to be written about by YA authors, otherwise we fall prey to that 'single story' trap, as if minorities and immigrants have only one facet, and only one experience to offer.

Read the rest here , and please leave comments.

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3 Excellent Border-Crossing MG/YA Books for 2011

In a poignant, funny, and unforgettable middle-grade novel called Inside Out and Back Again (HarperCollins, March 2011), Thanhha Lai remembers how her family escaped Vietnam before the fall of Saigon. American and Vietnamese characters alike leap to life through the voice and eyes of a ten-year-old girl—a protagonist so strong, loving, and vivid I longed to hand her a wedge of freshly cut papaya. This tenderly told tale transports readers to the time immediately after the Vietnam War and  sheds light on the life of young people displaced by war.



Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy (Scholastic, January 2011) is the perfect example of why we can't set up apartheid-like rules in the realm of fiction. The author is a white guy writing from the point of view of an Afhani girl, crossing fairly significant borders of race and power to tell this story. But thanks to the diligent use of an empathetic imagination and an ability to listen, Reedy's middle-grade novel opens windows into a world we can't visit otherwise. As Katherine Paterson puts it in her introduction to this heartwrenching debut novel, you'll never read the news about contemporary Afghanistan again without remembering that you have a friend there—a girl named Zulaikha with whom you hoped and suffered and rejoiced and prayed.



Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams (Little Brown, July 2011) is a gripping page-turner, a tribute to the unifying power of sport, and a heart-stirring window into the life of a teen refugee in South Africa. Even reluctant readers will tear through this book, worrying about Deo, cheering for him, and hoping that he'll find a way to survive. This young adult novel will inspire hospitality for the alien and stranger in the heart of every reader. I couldn't wait until it comes out to start spreading the buzz.

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In Which Skype Takes Me To School Without Walls

I've been enjoying an increasing number of Skype visits into classrooms and libraries this year, during which I sit in my study and chat with students hailing from all corners of the country ... and sometimes the world.



For example, here are some thank-you notes from exchange students studying at the School Without Walls in D.C. (published with permission, sic). When do adult writers of fiction get to (a) converse virtually with such a savvy, global group of readers, and (b) receive fabulous notes like these? If you wonder why I prefer writing for young people, read on.

Dear Mitali,



I wanted to thank you for the Skype conversation. It was amazing to talk with the author of the book that we had to read. Thank for gave us a little bit of your time, it was such a great experience.



I really liked the book and the story. I have learned a lot about Burma, a country that I absolutely did not know before, and what is going on over there. The story was well imagined and I really enjoyed reading Bamboo People.



So, I hope you will have another book soon, and hopefully we could have another skype conversation. Thank you.



Sincerely,



Loots L. (Belgium)



Dear Mitali,



I would like to thank you for taking the time to Skype with me and answer the questions I had about your book. It was really a unique chance to talk to the author of a book.



I really enjoyed reading the book, especially because you wrote the book from two points of view. It gave a good look on how the two boys crossed each other's path, how they hated each other but changed their mind in the end. I look forward to read more of your books and hope I can talk to you again.



Yours truly,



Jef (Belgium)



Dear Mitali,



First of all, I will like to Thank you for the Skype chat, for give me part of your time to interview you and to get to know you more. You are a very outgoing person and also really nice.



Thank you too for create this amazing book—Bamboo People—because like you say, this book have some parts of your life and that's what it makes it interesting for us too. You are a great writer because me, like an exchange student, I understand every word in your book, what also make it really good for international distribution. Congratulations for that and I'm so happy and excited waiting for your next book, in that way I won't stop the contact with you in any moment.



For closing, because I think I'm writing to much; I say thank you again for give me your precious time and for respond my questions about your amazing book. I hope don't lose the contact with you and also keep reading your creations.



Regards,



Paulina (Chile)



Dear Mitali Perkins:



I really want to tell you the book you make was a really good book, but the same time was hard for me to understand. I was really interested thanks for making this book.



i really am the person who doesn't like to read at all. My mom pays me to read books but when i start to read your book everything changed, so be proud of this book you made. I think am going to by one and bring the book to my country. Well, thanks for talk to us I really appreciate that, don't lose your contact. Love you.



From: your best Dominican friend, Tracy lol



Dear Ms. Mitali Perkins:



I hope you remember me, I am Adrian from Paraguay, I met you in the Skype chat days ago, I just felt inside me that I have to write an thanks e-mail to thank you for the time that you spent with us answering our questions and doubts last day. It was a real pleasure, that I never had, the experience of meeting an author of a book that I really like.I will be waiting for a new release of a book, I can say that you won a fan.



Best regards,



Adrian (Paraguay)



Dear Mitali,



Hello. This is Na from South Korea. I was glad to meet you on Skype chat discussing about your amazing book Bamboo People. You were so kind and friendly that I felt like we had met before. Thank you for sharing your precious lunch time with us. It would be one of the unforgettable moments I spent in United States of America as an exchange student.



Now I am regretting of not being brave enough to ask every single question I wanted to ask. My favorite part of the book was the connection between two boys from opposite sides of the country politically and geographically. Showing both points of view makes me understand what is going on in Burma(Myanmar) much easier. Also, the touching stories of two boys love for their family and friends made me unable to stop reading the book. Enjoying my first American Thanksgiving day eating cookies with reading the book was fun! If I had chance, I would love to ask you about who is your favorite character and what is your favorite part of your book. Tureh? Chiko? Both characters were too charming to choose one for me. How about you as the creator of these amazing boys? In addition, you mentioned the Lord of the Rings as one of the motivations of Chiko. Lord of the ring was one of my favorite fantasy stories. Is there any personal reason of using that book as a source for Chiko? When I read the part about it, I was so excited to read that part.



Reading the book thinking about what I would want to ask the actual author was very unique and valuable experience. Thank you again for giving me this kind of incredible moment. I have never imagined about actually talking with the author in my life. When will you start your next book? As a lover of your previous book Bamboo People, I am already looking forward to reading your new book!! It was extremely nice to see you. Bye.



Sincerely,



Na (South Korea)



Dear Ms. Perkins,



I want to thank you for the skype chat, I really appreciate it, it was really cool to talk to an author of a book that I read. I really enjoyed the book.



It was really nice of you, that you could talk to us about your book and that you could answer our questions. That just shows that you are a nice person and that you are willing to talk to you readers!



Best wishes,



Thor (Iceland)



Dear Mitali,



It was good talk with you in Skype and in the same time enjoy that together, i hope that you are enjoyed the time with us and also thanks for explain us a little bit about your amazing book.



The Book is very good, it's fun, nice and in the same time interesting . For example i learn about Burma in the book ,because i never listen before talk about that, but now i fell like i know everything, and Chiko, he is a fantastic guy he has a lot of adventures and how he live the life. And how he can compare the life with other guy, how is older than him and he nows more than him, i mean is fantastic.



Well thank you for give us your time to answer our questions and i hope talk with you soon, and enjoy your other book's together.



Sincerely,



Andrea (Bolivia)



Dear Mitali,



I am very happy that I had the opportunity to talk to you via Skype about your incredible book Bamboo People. I want to share with you that it was the first English language book that I read in the United States. I enjoyed your enthusiasm and the attention that you gave to our group. I appreciated the fact that you were patient and answered all of my questions.



I felt that your book was well written and tells a fascinating story between the two boys in Burma, you show how people can unify and come together to have a happy ending. For sure I will suggest it to my friends and I will be waiting anxiously for your next book.



Thank you for sharing a little bit of your life with me and telling me about your trips and the fun things that you did and want to do. I hope in the future we will be able to talk again and you write more great books like Bamboo People.



Sincerely,



Brisa (Brazil)

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Thank You, Independent Booksellers!

Returned home from winter break to delightful news: Bamboo People is shortlisted as a Book of the Year finalist in the Young Adult Novel category of the 2011 Indies Choice Awards . Here are the nominees (in alphabetical order):



Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins (Charlesbridge)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins)
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (Knopf)
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (Atheneum)
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (Delacorte)
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan (Dutton)


And, as if that's not enough, I'm a finalist in the "Most Engaging Author" category, given to an "author who is an in-store star with a strong sense of the importance of indie booksellers to the community."



Don't know about the first part of the description, but the second is certainly true: I'd be nowhere as an author were it not for my indies. Being in the company of the other nominees is a huge part of this honor: Laurie Halse Anderson, Jonathan Evison, Kevin Henkes, Richard Russo, and Terry Tempest Williams.



Thank you, thank you, thank you, independent booksellers, a national treasure. May you live long and prosper!

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SECRET KEEPER, Indian Style

I'm excited to share a new cover of Secret Keeper , coming at the end of March 2011 from HarperCollins India :





To refresh your memories, this was the US cover from Random House:





Any preferences?

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We Proudly Present: The Story of First Book

The Story of First Book from First Book on Vimeo .



This was filmed at ALA last June, and I was so honored to be a part of it. First Book provides books (including my Rickshaw Girl , First Daughter: White House Rules , and Monsoon Summer ) to children in need. Here's how they do it:

If you're an educator or program administrator, and at least 50 percent of the children in your program come from low-income families, we can help. Eligible programs receive access to the First Book Marketplace, offering new books at 50 to 90 percent off retail prices. And if you serve a higher proportion of children in need — 80 percent or more — then your school or program may also be eligible for free books through the First Book National Book Bank and book grants through First Book's local Advisory Boards. To access these resources, complete our simple online registration (It only takes a few minutes).

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Help Wanted: Race Jargon For Kid/YA Books

Is my protagonist a ...

Person of color?


Asian-American?


Asian (no hyphen) American?


Brown?


South Asian American?


Bengali-American?


Desi?


Non-white?


A minority?


Multicultural?
WHAT THE HECK IS SHE?



(WHAT THE HECK AM I? Who cares? Most of North America.)



Please help: How do you define yourself by race in America today and why?

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Available: Virtual Mentors for Children's Book Authors

If you're a writer of children's and YA books and a "person of color" (Gosh, how I hate race-related jargon ... nothing seems just right, ever) looking to improve your craft and learn more about the children's publishing industry, you may apply to be mentored for free by established writers through the newly-launched Patchwork Collective . This brilliant effort is spearheaded by my dear friend Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich , author of 8th GRADE SUPERZERO , one of my favorite new books.

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